As winter approaches, many of us take the time to reorganise our wardrobes and tidy our gardens. But have you considered re-evaluating your home security?
With the days growing shorter and the nights longer, this is the perfect time to assess your security strategies and ensure they can handle the challenges the cold brings.
We know power cuts can severely affect home security systems and put your safety at risk. The risk of fires is also higher because it gets darker much earlier in winter, says Charnel Hattingh, the group head of marketing and communications for Fidelity ADT.
Hattingh suggests giving your security systems a good once-over as soon as possible. Contact your security provider, put the alarm and panic buttons on test, and book a technical service call if necessary.
“This test is of the utmost importance. If the system is not working properly, the signal might not reach your security company, and they will not know there is an emergency at your property and will not respond,” Hattingh says.
She also recommends getting a professional to check the tensioning of electric fencing because it shrinks in colder weather and can cause false alarms.
Fires during winter can be caused by heaters, electrical appliances, alternative power sources such as gas, or the fireplace, which are left burning when you go to bed. So, it is a good idea to link smoke detectors to your alarm system.
“The best is to start at the perimeter of your property and work your way in. Think like a criminal and evaluate whether your fencing/wall, garden, windows, doors, shed, garage and more have weaknesses a criminal could exploit.
“As we tend to gather everyone indoors earlier and perhaps change the times we go to the gym or walk the dog, security systems like garden beams and sensor lights must also work correctly.
“Regardless of whether the sun is up or not, most people still need to leave for work and school at the same time. To stay safe, be more vigilant in the early morning and when you come home at dusk.”
Fidelity ADT has tips for staying safe this winter:• Ensure your kerbside house number is visible in case of an emergency. It could save critical time for the response team in an emergency;
• Ask your security company to partition your alarm system so that it still offers an early warning system with pets in the house if you bring your dog(s) inside;
• Ensure you have backup power supplies to keep lights, gate motors and security systems working;
• Set the external beams in the early evening once everyone is home;
• Be vigilant when leaving and arriving home. Criminals take advantage of the longer hours of darkness in winter and are unafraid of the cold;
• Ensure you give your security service provider the most up-to-date keyholder contact details.
“Security needs change with the seasons. As we prepare to spend more time indoors, your security routines need to be as prepared for winter,” Hattingh concludes.
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